The American Leadership Forum (ALF) brings together established leaders to learn new theories and practices of collaborative leadership. Our focus is on the 14-county region encompassing Anson, Cabarrus, Chester, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lancaster, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, Union, and York. Participants are hand-selected and engage in a year-long framework of common experiences from workshops, to spirited dialogues, to a challenging but meaningful time in the outdoors. By the end of the year, remarkable things happen. Relationships of trust and understanding are forged. Those on the margin are brought into the center. Capacities for leading are enhanced and strengthened. And new networks for positive community change are created.
Being selected to participate in ALF and completing the course is an honor, and demonstrates a willingness and a level of experience to be involved in important conversations and actions that have broad and deep community impact. The overarching goal of the program is to foster a sense of personal responsibility for change in the community and to provide a pivotal experience that enhances the growth and development of each Fellow.
We look for people who will stimulate, challenge and inspire each other. We bring together diverse leaders in business, politics, government, faith, industry, arts and culture, social services, and education, who have demonstrated a commitment to community engagement and service. They are respected and influential leaders who embody attributes of inspiration, dedication, effectiveness, and humility.
From the pool of nominees, each class of 24 reflects and represents the geographical, faith, philosophical, cultural, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, political, age and economic diversity of our region.